★★★★★

Reviewer - Bronagh

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Content: the show contains references to suicide, self-harm and child abuse, as well as homophobic language throughout.

After the Act is a brand new show, commissioned by the New Diorama Theatre. It explores the Section 28 legislation, introduced in 1988. The legislation’s main purpose was to prohibit ‘the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities’, which doesn’t even seem right to type now in 2023. Section 28 was repealed in 2000 in Scotland, then in 2003 in England and Wales. Quite a long time for blatant homophobia to be promoted.

The cast comprises of Tika Mu’tamir, Ellice Stevens – who also co-wrote the play – EM Williams and Zachary Willis. They all transform into different characters, from a particularly interesting Margaret Thatcher, numerous MPs, protestors to a teenager who attempted suicide due to feeling ‘different’ and a school teacher who encountered one of her netball team in a local gay bar. Everybody who you could expect to be impacted by Section 28. Each character is completely believable and impressively expressive. The accent and outfit changes are seamless, from a local authority councillor to a vicar who threatens to kill his son if he comes out as gay, power suits to PE uniform.

The cast should be extremely proud of themselves, they brought the story of Section 28 to life and ensure those who previously did not know much about this legislation left educated. I would gladly award After the Act five stars based on the cast alone.

After the Act - production image 8 (Photo by Alex Brenner) - Zachary Willis.jpg

After the Act - production image 2 (Photo by Alex Brenner) L-R EM Williams, Zachary Willis, Ellice Stevens.jpg

The New Diorama Theatre is small but mighty, with only 80 seats in the main theatre. This does not stop us from being transported to the House of Lords, to a protest in Manchester, to a BBC newsroom and beyond. The centrepiece of the stage – apart from the exceptional cast – is a see-through projector screen. At times we watch the cast through it, other times various shocking news headlines are projected for us to read. This is never distracting and emphasises the shock factor of this legislation. As mentioned, I was not particularly educated on Section 28 or frankly the prominent homophobia of this time. I had no idea that huge news organisations broadcast such homophobic views.

The music rivals huge West End productions – no exaggeration! Every song is so catchy and conveys the message brilliantly. Given the small venue, the choreography and movement are very impressive. The cast are total triple threats. Those who choose an aisle seat, be warned that you may get two protestors ‘abseiling’ right next to you!

By the end of the Act 2 I truly felt like we had danced on the legislation’s grave. There may be a little way to go, but After the Act really does stomp all over Section 28. This is a very important story clearly close to the cast and crew members’ hearts, and deserves to be seen far and wide.